AMP Announces October Concerts

A fall chill might be sweeping into the air (Right? It will be cool by then... right?!), but the lively, nostalgic concerts at AMP will help keep seasonal blues away. DC’s Julia Nixon celebrates the classic songs of Burt Bacharach and Hal David, backed by The Dave Ylvisaker Eleven. Grammy-nominated guitarist Raul Midón seamlessly blends flamenco and jazz in an impressive show of virtuosic ability. William “Smooth” Wardlaw remembers Luther Vandross, bringing his idol’s hits to life in the tribute Luther Re-Lives with uncannily familiar appearance, laugh, and vocals. Anyone who ran out to get “The Rachel” haircut won’t want to miss the uncensored, fast-paced, music-filled show Friends! The Musical Parody, reliving favorite moments from the hit TV show. Last Comic Standing finalist Myq Kaplan brings an idiosyncratic questioning of the world to his standup, jumping from the odd spelling of his name to the infinite expanse of space to pasta, in one breath - and the formula works, having landed Kaplan his own Netflix and Comedy Central Presents specials. The Four Bitchin’ Babes round out the month, celebrating the best of babes, boys, and Botox with their whimsical songs and unbridled comedic commentary on everyday life from a female perspective.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.AMPbyStrathmore.com. Upcoming concerts at AMP in October 2018 include:

With their dramatic chords, jazz voicings, and endless pop strut, the songs of Burt Bacharach and Hal David have left an indelible mark on pop history. Brought to life by music legends like Dionne Warwick, Dusty Springfield, and Aretha Franklin, songs like “I Say a Little Prayer,” “What the World Needs Now,” “The Look of Love,” and many more have delighted listeners for more than 50 years. D.C.’s Julia Nixon captures the majesty and magic of Bacharach & David’s finest works with her “rich contralto - sassy, spirited and sensuous - that never fails” (The Washington Post.)

Hailed by The New York Times as “a spiritually connected one-man band,” and as “an eclectic adventurist” by People, Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter and guitarist Raul Midón is a musical tour de force. With his signature silky tenor and percussive guitar style, Midón blends flamenco and jazz seamlessly, creating the rhythm and harmony of an entire band, all by himself. Pushing past notions of genre, Midón’s improvisational techniques recall jazz experimentalists like Miles Davis and Steely Dan. On stage, Midón’s virtuosic abilities steal the show, leading the HuffPost to note, “he plays with such freedom and joy that his hands smile.”

With iconic hits like “Power of Love/Love Power,” “Never Too Much,” “Here and Now,” and “Any Love,” the late R&B legend Luther Vandross captivated a generation. Luther Re-Lives, featuring William “Smooth” Wardlaw, pays tribute to the original with love, respect, and faithful accuracy. “Smooth” is an exceptional entertainer whose resemblance, mannerisms, laugh, and voice are stunningly similar to his idol, Vandross. A must-see performance for any fan of “The Velvet Voice.”

Could we BE more excited? Chandler, Rachel, Ross, Monica, Joey, and Phoebe are back in a hilarious homage to the hit TV show, Friends. This delightfully naughty confection plucks the best moments from the show’s 10-year run and recreates them as an uncensored, fast-paced, music-filled romp. Bob and Tobly McSmith, the duo behind critically acclaimed musical parodies of shows like Saved by the Bell and Full House, have created another winner. A loving lampoon, this is a night that will not only keep you laughing but also tug at the heartstrings.

Just announced!AMP Comedy Night in partnership with Comedy ZoneMYQ KAPLAN
Thursday, October 25, 2018
8 PM
Tickets $18-23Tickets will be available to the public beginning Friday, September 7, 2018

Myq Kaplan (pronounced “Mike”) feels the same way about the spelling of his name as you do. The Last Comic Standing finalist has appeared on The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien, Conan, The Late Show with David Letterman, and The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson. He has his own Netflix special, Small Dork and Handsome, and was featured in Comedy Central Presents. He brings the same wit and informality to the stage as he does to his podcasts, Hang Out with Me and Broccoli & Ice Cream, where he interviews friends and creatives in and outside of comedy about their life and work. His debut CD, Vegan Mind Meld, was one of iTunes’ top ten best-selling comedy albums when it was released in 2010. Kaplan made his Fringe Festival debut in 2018. Comedy website Chortle says Myq “... offers a perfect fusion of the smart and the dumb, overthinking every topic to find not only great insight but also great jokes from his idiosyncratic questioning of the world. He can ponder the fleeting human existence in the near-infinite expanse of space and time one moment, then be doing a daft pun about pasta the next.”

The Four Bitchin’ Babes are comprised of four accomplished musician-actresses who create a hilarious, unstoppable blend of music, comedy, and theatre. Having toured and recorded for 25 years, they bring to the stage endlessly whimsical songs, tight harmonies, and enough bling to hypnotize the first few rows of any audience. They’ve built a cult following with songs like “Bald Headed Men” and “I Remember Butter” that offer comedic commentary that’s all too relatable for anyone “of a certain age.” Endearing songs such as the multigenerational “Pass It On” and “Unconditional Love” add heart to this musical revue told from a woman’s point of view. Perfect for a girls’ night out.

Strathmore is supported by a grant from the Maryland State Arts Council, an agency dedicated to cultivating a vibrant cultural community where the arts thrive. An agency of the Department of Business & Economic Development, MSAC provides financial support and technical assistance to non-profit organizations, units of government, colleges and universities for arts activities. Strathmore is also supported in part by the Arts and Humanities Council of Montgomery County.